Kristen Stewart to Play Sally Ride in 'The Challenger' Limited Series

The actress will make her TV debut portraying the famous astronaut in the upcoming Prime Video show.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 12:00am

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Kristen Stewart is set to play the role of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, in the upcoming Prime Video limited series "The Challenger". The series will explore the events leading up to the 1986 Challenger disaster and the investigation that followed, with a focus on Ride's personal journey as a member of the Rogers Commission.

Why it matters

The Challenger disaster was a pivotal moment in American history, and the series will provide a unique perspective by centering on the experiences of the first American woman in space, Sally Ride. Kristen Stewart's casting as Ride is significant, as the actress is known for her versatility and ability to portray complex, real-life figures.

The details

The Challenger is created by Golden Globe winner Maggie Cohn, who will also write, executive produce, and showrun the program. James Hawes, known for his work on Slow Horses and Black Mirror, will direct and executive produce. The series is inspired by Meredith E. Bagby's 2023 book The New Guys and will follow the diverse Astronaut Class of '78, including Ride, through their recruitment, training, and the events leading up to the Challenger disaster.

  • The Challenger limited series is set to premiere on Prime Video in 2026.
  • Kristen Stewart attended the Chanel and Charles Finch annual Pre-Oscar Dinner on March 14, 2026, in Beverly Hills, California.

The players

Kristen Stewart

An American actress known for her versatile performances, including her upcoming role as Sally Ride in the Prime Video limited series The Challenger.

Sally Ride

The first American woman in space, who will be the focus of the Prime Video series The Challenger, which explores the events leading up to the 1986 Challenger disaster and the investigation that followed.

Maggie Cohn

A Golden Globe-winning writer, executive producer, and showrunner of the Prime Video limited series The Challenger.

James Hawes

A director and executive producer known for his work on shows like Slow Horses and Black Mirror, who will be directing and executive producing the Prime Video series The Challenger.

Kyra Sedgwick

An executive producer on the Prime Video limited series The Challenger, which explores the story of the 1986 Challenger disaster and the role of astronaut Sally Ride.

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What they’re saying

“There is no one better than Maggie Cohn to bring to life the complex story of the Challenger and the new class of astronauts recruited by NASA in the early 1970s, all through the eyes of an American hero, Sally Ride.”

— Kyra Sedgwick, Executive Producer

“Sally Ride's courage and brilliance changed history, and we couldn't imagine a more powerful actor to bring her story to life than Kristen Stewart.”

— Peter Friedlander, Head of Global Television, Amazon MGM Studios

What’s next

The Challenger limited series is set to premiere on Prime Video in 2026.

The takeaway

Kristen Stewart's casting as Sally Ride in the upcoming Prime Video series 'The Challenger' is a significant move, as the actress is known for her ability to portray complex, real-life figures. The series will provide a unique perspective on the Challenger disaster by centering on the experiences of the first American woman in space, further cementing Ride's legacy as a trailblazer in the field of space exploration.